Israeli detains Al-Aqsa Imam Sheikh Ikrima Sabri following Friday sermon

Israeli police have detained Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, the 85-year-old Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, at his home in occupied East Jerusalem. Sheikh Sabri had prayed for Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Iran, during his Friday sermon.

A family member of Sheikh Sabri reported that Israeli police, accompanied by numerous units and plainclothes officers, came to his East Jerusalem home to arrest him. In a written statement, Israeli police confirmed that Sheikh Sabri was taken from his home to a regional court for questioning.

Ongoing investigation for Friday sermon

Israel initiated an investigation into Sheikh Sabri for praying for Haniyeh during his Friday sermon. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed his support for the investigation in a statement on social media.

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel announced plans to revoke Sheikh Sabri’s residency permit in East Jerusalem, aiming to expel him from the city. Arbel conveyed his intentions in a letter to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.

In recent years, Israeli authorities have arrested and interrogated Sheikh Sabri multiple times, barred his entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque, and imposed a travel ban on him.

Israel has been revoking the permanent residency status of Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem, forcing them to relocate to the occupied West Bank.